Channing Tatum to Star in ‘Gambit’ After All

Although it looked as though Channing Tatum and 20th Century Fox were about to part ways for the upcoming film based on a popular X-Man, things now seem to be back on track.

According to THR, Tatum has now officially closed his deal to star in and produce the upcoming film Gambit, based on the Marvel Comics character created by writer Chris Claremont and artist Jim Lee. Gambit will act as a spin-off of the main X-Men film franchise, becoming the third film in 2016 to take place in the shared universe inhabited by the characters. February will see the release of Deadpool, followed in May by X-Men: Apocalypse, with Gambit following in October.

In the report by THR, it’s speculated that the rumors of Tatum’s “imminent exit” from the project may have been greatly exaggerated. While it’s stated that Tatum and the studio hit “a sensitive spot” in the actual negotiations, this isn’t uncommon practice when high-level discussions between a studio and a sought-after talent takes place. Because Tatum had already invested quite a lot in the part — as it was stated it was a role he really wanted to play when news initially broke — the danger that was reported was likely overblown.

Apparently, 20th Century Fox sees Gambit as an “anchor character” for the future of the X-Men film franchise, similarly to Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine. Gambit’s importance may even be more pronounced, especially since we know that Jackman’s days as Weapon X are numbered after the release of 2017’s solo Wolverine film. Presuming that Tatum’s involvement has similar lonegvity to that of Jackman’s Wolverine, his involvement with the X-Men film series could end up lasting a very long time.

Screenwriter Josh Zetumer wrote the script based on a treatment by Gambit co-creator Chris Claremont. Rise of the Planet of the Apes director Rupert Wyatt will helm the film, which has an assigned release date of October 7th, 2016. For more on the film as it continues to develop, keep it locked on GeekNation!